When I was stuck in this situation last year, I finally got tired of waiting and called the IRS. Spent three days trying to get through their phone system. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent confirmed my return was fine and just in the verification queue. Got my deposit about a week later. Sometimes just talking to a human at the IRS can put your mind at ease or identify if there's an actual issue that needs addressing.

Check your transcript if you can access it online. It will show more detailed info than the WMR tool. If you see codes like 570/971, there might be a small issue they're reviewing. If you just see code 152, you're in normal processing.

Pro tip for anyone in this situation now: instead of waiting anxiously for weeks, you can actually call the IRS and speak to someone who can tell you exactly what's happening with your return. I was in the same boat and used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of spending hours on hold. The agent was able to confirm my check had been mailed and even gave me the exact date it was sent out.

I'm on week 5 of waiting after my direct deposit was rejected. This gives me hope! Did your WMR status ever update or did the check just show up?

I think we should acknowledge that the IRS transcript system, while confusing, does follow certain patterns that experienced users can recognize. The 971 code is one of the most common codes and appears on nearly every transcript at some point in the process. What's important is not to panic when seeing it, as it's often just a procedural step rather than an indication of problems with your return.

Have you considered that the 971 might actually be good news? Many taxpayers don't realize that notices aren't always about problems, are they? In about 40% of cases, a standalone 971 code is followed by an 846 refund issued code within 7-10 days. Instead of calling, I'd recommend checking your transcript again this Friday - you might be pleasantly surprised to see your refund has been scheduled.

Be careful with this situation. My brother had the same code, verified no offsets, and ignored it thinking it was a mistake. Six months later, still no refund, and turns out they were questioning some business expenses on his Schedule C. The letter had been sent to an old address. By the time he sorted it out, they had escalated it to an actual audit. Don't assume it'll just work itself out - be proactive once you get that letter.

I went through this exact situation in February. Tax topic 151, confirmed no offsets, total confusion. Turned out they just needed to verify my identity because I had moved to a new state mid-year. Used the ID verify tool on IRS.gov, and my refund was processed within 9 days after that. Much less dramatic than I expected! The system works, it's just not very transparent about what's happening.

I went through this exact situation two weeks ago. Here's what I learned: First, the N/A transcript means your return is in the pre-processing queue. Second, returns with Child Tax Credit are subject to additional verification under the PATH Act. Third, the IRS is experiencing higher than normal verification delays this year. Fourth, most returns with this status are resolved within 45-60 days from filing. Fifth, calling before that timeframe rarely provides additional information. I understand how frustrating this waiting period is, especially when you're counting on that money.

File IRS Form 911 immediately! Per Internal Revenue Manual 13.1.7.2, Taxpayer Advocate Service intervention is warranted after 30 days of processing delay if financial hardship exists. Document any expenses dependent on refund funds. Submit via fax to your local TAS office by COB tomorrow. Include all filing documentation. Reference IRC Section 6402 regarding timely processing requirements. Do not wait for automated systems to update! TAS can expedite processing in 5-7 business days in hardship cases.